Black bears are present across Virginia. The American black bear (Ursus americanus) is Virginia’s only bear species, and encounters are increasingly common. These adaptable mammals are part of Virginia’s diverse wildlife, and understanding their presence is the first step toward safe coexistence.
Virginia’s Bear Population
Virginia is home to a robust population of American black bears, the state’s largest land mammal. Their numbers have rebounded significantly from a low of around 1,000 bears in the early 1900s, with current estimates between 17,000 and 20,000 individuals. This growth reflects successful conservation efforts and their adaptability to varied environments.
Black bears are found throughout most of the Commonwealth, in 92 of Virginia’s 98 counties and cities. While concentrations are highest in the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains and around the Great Dismal Swamp, they can be sighted in nearly any part of the state, including suburban and urban locations. Their habitat encompasses diverse landscapes, from mature oak forests to swampy areas in the coastal plain.
Understanding Bear Behavior
Black bears are omnivores, with a diet consisting of both plants and animals. Their food choices vary seasonally, primarily consuming plant-based materials such as grasses, berries, roots, nuts, and fruits. They also opportunistically feed on insects, larvae, honey, carrion, and occasionally prey on small animals. During fall, bears enter a period of hyperphagia, eating heavily—up to 20,000 calories daily—to build fat reserves for winter denning.
Black bears are adaptable and can be active throughout the day, though often more active during dawn and dusk. They enter winter dens between October and January, with pregnant females often denning earlier. Dens are found in hollow trees, rock cavities, brush piles, or even man-made structures. While in their dens, bears rely on stored fat and do not eat, drink, or expel waste.
Coexisting with Bears
Preventing human-bear conflicts involves removing attractants that draw bears into residential areas. Securing trash in bear-resistant containers or keeping it in a garage or shed until collection is an effective deterrent. Removing bird feeders between April and November, when bears are most active, and bringing pet food indoors at night helps minimize temptation. Electric fencing can protect gardens, beehives, or other potential food sources.
If a bear is sighted in a residential area, remain calm and give it ample space to leave. Making loud noises or appearing larger can encourage the bear to move on. Never feed a bear, intentionally or unintentionally, as this can lead to habituation and dangerous situations. Bears associating humans with food can become a nuisance, sometimes leading to their removal.
During a direct encounter, stay calm and avoid sudden movements. Do not run from a bear; this can trigger their chase instinct. Instead, slowly back away while facing the bear, giving it a clear escape route. If a bear approaches or charges, stand tall, wave arms, and make noise. In the rare event of a physical attack, fight back.
Conservation Efforts
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) manages and conserves the state’s black bear population. Their Black Bear Management Plan guides conservation efforts, aiming to maintain healthy bear numbers and address human-bear conflicts. The DWR’s mission includes sustainably managing bears as a public trust resource, balancing recreational opportunities with population objectives.
Hunting regulations help regulate bear populations in Virginia. The DWR also engages in public education and outreach, often collaborating with organizations like Virginia Master Naturalists, to promote “bear-wise” practices and foster coexistence. These efforts focus on shared responsibility between citizens and wildlife agencies to keep bears wild and minimize negative interactions.